“Can I see him?” But only if you stay by my side.
Together we went down to the lobby.
Mike was standing by a window. It had changed a lot. He had lost weight, had gray strands in his hair and deep dark circles surrounded his eyes.
When he saw us, he was unable to move.
Emily held on to my hand.
Mike fell to his knees, but he didn’t try to get close.
“Hi, Emily.
My daughter watched him carefully.
Are you my dad?
Mike’s eyes filled with tears.
“Yes. But I’ve been a very bad father.
“Grandpa says that bad people can sometimes also do good things.
Mike lowered his head.
Your grandfather is a very kind man.
Emily took a few steps towards him and showed him the music box.
Did you keep this to me?
“Every day.
“Then why didn’t you come back?
This time, Mike didn’t try to find excuses.
Because I was a coward. When I found out you were sick, I just thought of my own pain. I abandoned you when you needed me most.
